"Sometimes it seems easier just not to go" - After soaring into Grand Prix QFs Ryan Joyce admits fear of flying in aeroplanes

For the first time in his career, Ryan Joyce is into the last eight of the World Grand Prix. Having already caused a small upset with a straight sets victory over Josh Rock in the opening round 'Relentless' edged former World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall in a thrilling last leg decider on Wednesday night in Leicester.

Although this is just Joyce's second ever appearance at the yearly double-in double-out tournament, the 39-year-old is known for his ruthless finishing. As such, Joyce was brimming with confidence even before dispatching Rock and Aspinall. Now though, the Englishman is dreaming of a first major TV title. “I’m a really dangerous player," Joyce tells SportsBoom. "I know I can beat any of the top players. I can win this competition."

Although Joyce is flying in Leicester this week, a very real fear of flying in aeroplanes has seen the current world number 35 withdraw from a number of European Tour events in 2024. “Anybody that's watching or listening that doesn't like flying can understand. Having to get two flights to get to a European Tour most of the time living in Newcastle, it's difficult and sometimes just seems easier just not to go," he explains honestly. “At the moment, the furthest I’ve had to travel is only the Czech Republic or Hungary. It’s only maybe two hours on a plane, so that’s not too bad.”

Joyce wouldn't be the first sportsman to have a successful career despite avoiding aeroplanes where possible. Dutch football legend Dennis Bergkamp famously hated flying, yet stared for his nation in World Cups and for teams such as Ajax and Arsenal across the European scene. As such, Joyce doesn't feel the need to seek help just yet. “You're talking about something that's completely new to me. I've never been in this position before. So just like anything in life, whatever comes at you, you deal with it on the day when it happens. I haven't actually planned anything or thought about it yet,” he explains. “If I ever did get to the point where I was picked for a World Series event, for example in America or Australia, it is something that I would have to consider.”